Modals may/might

Possibility, and permission in formal register.

S + may/might + V1 (bare infinitive)

may and might express possibility (something might happen, might slightly less certain than may). may is also used for formal permission. Both take the bare infinitive.

Examples

  • The shipment may be delayed due to weather.
  • You may leave once the paperwork is signed.
  • The rate might change by next week.

  • The shipment may to be delayed.

    The shipment may be delayed.

    No to follows may/might: may be delayed.

Common mistakes

  • Adding to after may/might: may to be delayed → may be delayed.
  • Using may instead of can for everyday permission in informal contexts, where can sounds more natural.
Practice